Three major manufacturers of Bitcoin mining equipment, Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT, have begun establishing production facilities in the US. This move responds to high tariffs imposed by the US government.
Strategic Moves by Chinese Companies
The three Chinese companies produce over 90% of global Bitcoin mining equipment. Moving to the US could help avoid additional tariffs on products from China and aligns with the strategic understanding of the importance of local production.
Security Concerns and Production Shift
The relocation of Chinese companies to the US raises national security concerns, particularly regarding chip manufacturing and energy security. For example, Sanjay Gupta from Auradine noted that having a large number of Chinese-made rigs connected to the US power grid poses a risk.
Future of Local Production in the US
While over 30% of global Bitcoin mining occurs in North America, over 90% of the hardware is still made in China. Economist Ryan M. Yonk stated that current changes mark the beginning of a long-overdue transformation in the industry.
The transition of Chinese companies to the US represents a significant step in transforming the mining equipment market, which may decrease reliance on Chinese production and enhance the local economy.